With just about 600 guests in attendance—the largest crowd since 2008—nearly $340,000 in net proceeds were raised last month at the 2013 Top Hat Ball thanks to many benevolent supporters.“Once again, I was blown away by the generosity of those who came to our Top Hat Ball,” said Gilbert Fonger, president and CEO at Marklund. “We are so grateful for the critical role each of them plays in helping us achieve our mission to ‘make everyday life possible for individuals with development disabilities.’”

Having a “Celebrate Chicago – Marklund Style” theme, this 17th annual event featured many tributes to the Windy City, including replicas of an elevated train track, the Wrigley Field sign, Marshall Field’s clock, and Art Institute lions, visits by Mike Ditka, Harry Caray, and gangster Frank Nitti impersonators, and street vendors offering Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs. Among those in attendance at the $300 per plate event were parents and guardians of Marklund clients, Marklund board members and staff, and many other individuals from throughout the Chicagoland area who share the common desire to support the goals and mission of Marklund.

During the dinner, Fonger presented Geneva residents Mike and Carol Donahue with Marklund’s 2013 “Friend of the Year” award. The Friend of the Year award recognizes an individual or group who has demonstrated the willingness to serve Marklund’s clients in ways that will affect their lives significantly, now and in the future. The Donahues were first introduced to Marklund over 11 years ago when Mike got involved in Marklund’s search for property in Kane County. Carol and their kids began volunteering with client activities as well as the Christmas Eve gift opening. In addition, Carol herself has logged nearly 300 hours as an aquatic therapy volunteer. The couple later became members and event chairs of the Top Hat committee. Over the years they have introduced more than 200 new friends to Marklund who have become regular donors and supporters, with contributions topping $250,000 since 2005.

“The Donahues have given Marklund a priceless gift with their selfless leadership, generosity and friendship,” Fonger said. “They are well deserving of our highest honor.”

“We are very humbled and honored,” Carol said in accepting the award.

Karen Golden of Naperville served as this year’s Top Hat Ball committee chair, having served as the chairman of the Marklund Board of Director for several years. “I would like to thank everyone who attended or supported this fantastic event and joining us on this important endeavor as we work to improve the lives of children and adults with special healthcare needs.”

Photos from the event taken by Oak Park photographer Chris Guillen can be viewed through the Marklund website at www. Marklund.org, as can this year’s Top Hat video created by Dave Pierro of Camera Originals.